Q & A

The cost of tiling a shower depends on two main factors: the size of the shower and the quality of the tiles. In general, most professional tilers charge an average of $25 per square foot of tiled area and the national average cost for a tile installation project is $490-$750. The tiles themselves are the greatest variable; the cost depends on their size, shape, pattern and manufacturer. For example, tile purchased at a volume discount from a big-box store cost far less than tiles made in small batches by an artisan ceramics shop. Prices can range from as little as $1 to $50 or more per square foot of tile. Other factors that will drive up the total tile installation cost are grout and mortar, speciality tiles like bullnose caps or soap holders, and surface prep materials, especially if drywall needs to be replaced before the tile can be installed. Many tile installers will also remove and haul away any old materials from an existing shower installation.

Tile installation costs for ceramic floors depend on the type of tile you select. You can purchase tile that sells for under $2 per square foot or tile that costs $50 per square foot — or more for artisanal and hand-painted tiles. The cost of labor to install a tile floor will also depend on the tile you select. It is far less labor-intensive to install a white 12-inch by 12-inch square tile than a 2-inch by 2-inch hexagonal tile with a distinct pattern. That extra time and energy equates to a higher per-square-foot installation cost. For example, a flooring pro may charge approximately $3.50 per square foot for labor to install wood-look tile in an area ranging between 6 feet by 24 feet and 8 feet by 48 feet. That same pro may charge $6 or more per square foot for a more intricate pattern, or a smaller space. Some installers may charge a minimum day rate for ceramic tile floor installation, such as $340 minimum per day, to cover business expenses and employee wages. If you’re looking to reduce costs, removing your existing flooring and handling any repairs needed can help eliminate prep work costs. Prep work may be charged per hour and could cost anywhere from $25 to $80 per hour or more, depending on the region and the type of repair work necessary.

Tile installation costs are a key part of your bathroom remodel costs. The tile you select (which can range from under $2 per square foot to $50 per square foot or more), the demolition and repair work required prior to installation, and the size of the job will all affect cost. You can install tile in the shower, on the counters, on the wall or on the floor. The national average for tile installation cost ranges between $490 and $750. Bathroom tile is easy to clean and durable for daily life. Here are some examples of average bathroom tile installation costs:

Tile installation at $25 per square foot of tiled bathroom area.

A standard tub and shower combo requires tiles for approximately 60 inches of length. Calculate wall height and add 30 to 36 inches of tub width for the walls at the head and foot of the tub. If the tile walls are 6 feet to 8 feet high, in this example, the tile installation costs would run about $2,000. Price includes materials.

Tile installation on a 3-foot by 5-foot regular tub and shower walls with an 8-foot ceiling: $1,450. Price includes materials.

Tile installation on a 3-foot by 5-foot regular tub and shower walls with a 10-foot ceiling: $1,650. Price includes materials.

Tile installation costs vary widely depending on the tiles you choose, where you want them installed, and what kind of demolition and surface preparation you need to have done. The national average cost for a tile installation project is $490-$750. The more tiles that need to be cut by hand and laid on the surface, the higher the total cost. Tile installation professionals can handle many different types of stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, applying them in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and entranceways. They can create anything from artistic mosaic backsplashes in your kitchen to modern shower enclosures to rustic patios in your backyard. Tile installation professions often can remove existing flooring or old tiles and replace drywall. Tile prices range from $1 to more than $50 per square foot — handmade ones are even priced individually — depending on the material. Rustic, handmade or special-use tiles cost more to install because they must be applied to the surface one by one, rather than in a sheet. For most jobs, tile installation costs are based on the square footage of the project. For example, a standard 6-foot by 8-foot shower tile installation can average $1,200-$1,600, depending on whether the tiles go to the top of the shower or to the ceiling. The total cost of a tiling project also includes the grout and mortar, speciality tiles like bullnose caps, and tile mounting materials like backer board.

One of the most common kitchen upgrades is installing decorative backsplash tiles in the space between the counters and cabinets. It’s a chance for homeowners to get creative while also protecting the kitchen walls from splashes and stains. Like all tiling projects, kitchen tile project costs depend on the tiles you choose, installation materials such as grout and mortar, and any surface materials, like replacement backer board. The national average for a tiled kitchen backsplash is $490-$750. In general, pricing averages $10-$40 per square foot for installation, not including tile. Some professional tile installers have a minimum day rate for small projects, which averages $350.

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